Lords continue probe into media ownership

THE HOUSE OF LORDS Communications Committee, which is investigating media ownership and the news, will tomorrow (Wednesday) hear evidence from senior executives of the UK's main terrestrial commercial broadcasters.

Chris Shaw, senior programme controller for Channel 5 and Sue Robertson, Channel 5's director of corporate Affairs will be asked about how Channel 5's news agenda has been affected by the decision made in January 2005 to hire Sky rather than ITN to supply its news. They will also be asked to explain why they awarded the contract to News International's Sky rather than ITN.

Dorothy Byrne, director of news and current affairs for Channel 4 and Jim Gray, editor of Channel 4 News will be asked about how Channel 4 defines its news agenda and how this has changed over the last ten years. They will also be quizzed on the role played by ITN in editorial decision-making.

More on the Lords Communications Committee's investigation into media ownership and the news can be found here µ